COAST Act Proposes Ban on New Offshore Drilling Along U.S. Atlantic Coast and Florida Straits

The "Clean Ocean And Safe Tourism Anti-Drilling Act of 2025," or COAST Act, aims to put significant portions of the U.S. Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) and the Straits of Florida off-limits to future energy exploration and production. Specifically, it directs the Secretary of the Interior to stop issuing new leases or giving the green light for any activities related to exploring, developing, or producing oil, natural gas, or other minerals in these designated zones. The bill amends Section 8 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), the primary federal law governing offshore resources.

Drawing Lines in the Sand... and Sea

This proposed ban is geographically specific, targeting four key planning areas: the North Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, and the Straits of Florida. These are the same areas outlined in the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's 2024-2029 leasing program proposal from late 2023. In practical terms, this means the federal government would be prohibited from auctioning off rights or approving plans for drilling rigs, seismic surveys, or extraction infrastructure for oil, gas, or minerals within these extensive offshore regions going forward. The legislation focuses squarely on preventing the initiation of new fossil fuel and mineral extraction activities.

Protecting Shorelines, Impacting Energy Plans

The core idea behind the COAST Act appears to be safeguarding coastal environments and the economies that depend on them. Think tourism dollars in beach towns, commercial fishing operations, and the general appeal of coastlines free from industrial offshore activity – these are the likely intended beneficiaries. By preventing new drilling, the bill aims to eliminate the risk of future oil spills and the environmental footprint associated with offshore platforms and pipelines in these waters. However, this action directly impacts the energy industry, potentially closing off access to domestic resources. While the immediate effect is on future leases, it represents a clear policy choice prioritizing coastal preservation over potential energy development in these specific Atlantic and Florida zones, a decision that could influence longer-term domestic energy supply considerations.